World Diabetes Day 2024: Millennials, particularly those aged 25-34, are the dominant age group seeking diabetes consultations, contributing to over half (52%) of all appointments in 2024, marking a significant shift from previous years. On World Diabetes Day, Practo has released fresh insights into diabetes care trends across India.
With an estimated 77 million adults in India suffering from diabetes and another 25 million at risk (prediabetes), the need for early diagnosis and management has never been greater. Over 50% of people are unaware of their diabetic status, which, according to WHO, heightens the risk of severe complications without timely intervention.
Key Insights into Diabetes Consultations Across Cities:
Tier 1 cities lead national consultations: Among Tier 1 cities, Delhi and Bangalore are at the forefront of diabetes consultations:
- Delhi: 34%
- Bangalore: 31%
- Hyderabad: 16%
- Mumbai: 13%
- Chennai and Pune: 3% each
“These cities highlight a rising awareness in diabetes management, especially among younger adults. In these metros, the 25–34 age group is the most engaged, underscoring a shift in health responsibility among younger Indians,” the company said in a statement.
Tier 2 Cities reflect growing health awareness: Tier 2 cities show a steady rise in diabetes care demand, led by:
- Kolkata: 29%
- Visakhapatnam: 19%
- Jaipur: 15%
- Bhubaneswar: 12%
- Ahmedabad: 9%
- Ghaziabad: 8%
- Lucknow: 5%
- Chandigarh: 3%
These findings point to an increasing awareness in managing diabetes beyond metro areas, with more people in smaller cities prioritizing health check-ups and consultations, the company stated.
Age Group Patterns in Diabetes Consultations:
In Tier 1 cities, data reveals the following age group trends:
- Chennai: The highest share of 25–34 consultations at 58%, followed by 35–44 at 21%.
- Bangalore: 25–34-year-olds account for 50% of consultations, with 35–44 at 36%.
- Delhi: 25–34-year-olds lead at 41%, closely followed by 35–44 at 35%.
- Hyderabad: 45% of consultations are from the 25–34 group, with 35–44 contributing 40%.
- Mumbai: Unique among metros, with 35–44-year-olds leading at 41%.
- Pune: The 35–44 age group leads with 52%, highlighting a broader age range taking health precautions.
As India observes World Diabetes Day, these insights shed light on the growing role of young adults in driving health awareness and proactive management, it added.
Dr. Pawan Goel, Diabetes and Endocrine Clinic, New Delhi, said, “Indians as a population are affected by diabetes at a younger age and more frequently than the western society. But with the help of platforms like Practo, providing diabetes care and engaging patient participation has now become easier and more accessible. It has helped us as healthcare professionals to provide standards of care remotely, improve patient compliance, and decrease the distress faced by the patients substantially.”
